2012 Record Year for Stockholm Cruise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 20122012 Record Year for Stockholm Cruises

In 2012 Stockholm ports had their busiest season ever, hosting a record-breaking 467,000 passengers. A total of 274 ships visited the two main ports of Stockholm during the summer season.

Those numbers don’t lie: Stockholm has become a very popular cruise destination. As Claudia Quas, Project Manager of the Stockholm Cruise Network, stated, “We’re very pleased with the numbers this past season. They suggest that Sweden, and Stockholm in particular, is becoming a choice destination for a growing number of cruise passengers.”

Quas said she expects numbers to be even higher in 2013, predicting 284 ships and half a million passengers will visit Stockholm. (The Stockholm Cruise Network is a partnership among the ports of Stockholm, Arlanda Airport, Stockholm hotels, and the Stockholm Visitors board, that promotes Stockholm as a cruise destination.)

Building on the momentum of this banner year, the Stockholm Cruise Network and VisitSweden are partnering with Travel Weekly on an ad campaign that will fuel next year’s expected growth. The campaign, which will include both print and electronic elements, will also promote SAS Airlines as the preferred carrier for cruises originating or terminating in one of Stockholm’s two main ports.

Speaking of which, Stockholm’s ports had a record number 51 turnarounds this season. This number is set to increase next year, as new promotional efforts and important infrastructure projects to better accommodate the world’s increasingly large vessels are currently underway.

But it’s not all nuts and bolts and numbers. In the end, cruise passengers choose Stockholm for what it offers as Scandinavia’s premier travel destination, whether it be food, museums, design, shopping, or music. Quas, notes, “Stockholm hotels and attractions are generally thought of as ‘high class,’ and the city itself gets very high customer satisfaction ratings on shore excursions.” Ever the dynamic city, Stockholm continues to entice passengers with new attractions every year. Here are a few of treasures either recently opened or set to open next year:

FotografiskaFotografiska is a new museum showcasing the best work in international contemporary photography. The museum, located in a beautiful historic building on the docks of Stadsgården in Stockholm, is perfectly suited to cruise passengers, with a convenient waterfront location and extended operating hours (Sunday - Wednesday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, Thursday - Saturday 9:00 am - 11: 00 pm).http://en.fotografiska.eu

Spritmuseum Sweden’s history with alcoholic beverages comes to life at Spritmuseum, the museum of spirits, located on the popular island park of Djurgården in central Stockholm. In addition to immersive exhibitions, the museum features a tasting room, restaurant, and bar. Cruise passengers will also want to visit the Absolut Art Collection, showcasing works by modern greats, including Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, all housed within Spritmuseum. www.spritmuseum.se

ABBA MuseumIn 2013 the official ABBA museum is set to open on Djurgården, within a larger museum devoted to important Swedish artists. The ABBA museum will likely be the main attraction, as the group is undeniably Sweden’s biggest musical export (having sold nearly 400 million records worldwide). The museum will feature the band's often over-the-top stage costumes, as well as vintage instruments and other memorabilia. Interactive exhibits include life-size holograms of the group, with whom visitors can sing along to ABBA hits. This museum is sure to be high on the list of attractions for cruise passengers in 2013. www.abbathemuseum.com